Tamoxifen Prevention Study Enrollment Nears Completion

BETHESDA, Md--The Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT), launchedin 1992, will need fewer women than originally estimated for completion.Although planned for 16,000 women, the trial now has more than12,000 enrolled, and needs only another 1,000 for completion,which is expected next year.

The purpose of the trial, being conducted by the NCI-sponsoredNational Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) isto determine whether tamoxifen (Nolvadex) can prevent breast cancerin women at increased risk of the disease.

Because women who have volunteered for the study have had a muchgreater underlying risk of breast cancer than anticipated, thestudy will be able to get the answers it needs with fewer volunteers.In addition, the women who have volunteered are so committed thatthey are not dropping out at the normal rate.